As we tear the plastic on our 2009 calendars and open them to a year-full of opportunities, we find it hard to tune-out the endless murmur of negative economic news. With hands clamped tightly on assets and pocketbooks, many will have trouble giving with the same enthusiasm as in years past. USA Today reported that through October, more than a third of charities recorded a decrease in contributions for the first nine months of 2008. We believe that even through tough times, the human spirit still finds ways to give.

Below you’ll find seven creative ways to start the New Year off right. A simple resolution will warm the heart, without burning the cash in your pockets.

1. Donate your car: Why try to sell that Oldsmobile taking up space in your driveway? Donate wheels before the New Year and use the value of your vehicle as a tax deduction. There’s a safe and easy way to donate your vehicle to benefit Believe In Tomorrow programs directly through the Independent Charities of America. The best part: almost no effort on your end is required. Click here for more information.
   
   
2. Pass on extra airline miles: Sometimes giving is as easy as taking a look at the everyday things you haven’t used. Case in point: airline miles. Did you get too busy this year and forget to schedule a trip? Or maybe the airline’s blackout days didn’t coincide with your schedule. Make good out of unused miles by donating directly to Believe In Tomorrow. The miles could go to needy families traveling to a Believe In Tomorrow respite trip. For more information on how to donate through Network for Good and Capital One, click here.
   
   
3. Participate in our Target wish list registry: You can now purchase items from The Believe In Tomorrow Children's House at Johns Hopkins wish list online through a Target registry. It’s easy to help the patients and families at the house start the New Year off right by visiting our registry, both in Target stores and online at www.target.com.
   
   In Stores: Using the touch screen Target store computer, select "Target Lists." Under organization name type "Believe In Tomorrow." Print the Wish List and shop for items in the store then call The Children's House to schedule a deliver time: (410) 614-2560.
   
   Online: Go to www.target.com.  Click on "Target Lists."  Click on Advanced Search under "Find a List." Type "Believe In Tomorrow" in the search by organization field.  Shop online for wish list items. You can either ship them directly to The Children's House, or schedule a time to deliver the items in person by calling (410) 614-2560.
   
   For more information on our Target Registry or general Wish List items, please call Mindy Weidman at (410) 614-2560, or email mweidman@believeintomorrow.org.
   
   
4. Create a fundraising page on Firstgiving.com: In December we told you about the opportunity for families and friends to give back by creating their own fundraising page. The offer still stands. Have your child use the page for a community service project, ask family and friends to give to your page instead of giving gifts this year, or tell your family’s story and email the link to friends. Click here to view a sample fundraising page and see how easy it is to get started.


5. Join our Facebook group, recruit friends, donate: Helping our cause is as simple as visiting your favorite social networking site. Facebook’s “Causes” feature gives purpose to the masses by inviting charities and others to take part in collecting supporters and donations. Members of Believe In Tomorrow’s cause page can recruit others and see their support grow. Facebook will track your network of recruits. The site is also an easy and secure way to donate, no matter how small the amount. To begin exploring our Facebook page click here.


6. Clean House: sell your junk on eBay and Craigslist: Why spend a cold Saturday morning bartering with the neighbors to get rid of household items? Use the Internet to create a virtual garage sale and sell items for a good cause. Believe In Tomorrow is registered on eBay’s MissionFish, a safe and secure medium for individuals to sell items and contribute the proceeds to charity. To find out more click here. Those looking for a more casual way to give back might try selling outdated or not needed items on Craigslist.com. Although the community site does not have specific charity pages, a simple mention in the item’s description about where proceeds go will likely make that burdensome item vanish.


7. Complete Community Service Hours: Many state laws require high school students to complete several – if not dozens – of community service hours each year. Why not encourage your students to donate their time to helping critically ill children and their families reconnect during the healing process? Visit our volunteer opportunities page to learn more about how to pitch in. Or, fill up those hours fundraising using one of the suggestions above.